Photographic reproduction apparatus



Aug. 11, 194-2. j D JR 2,292,825

PHOTOGRAPHIC REPRODUCTION APPARATUS Filed May 12, 1939 12 Sheets-Sheec l1 1 WJTNESSES; 5 7 5a 5 7 7 INVJ ENTOR:

' James JDLUES, Jr

z/uzuigavx W /M MW A TTORN E Y5 Aug. M, 1942. J. J. DILKS, JR

PHOTOGRAPHIC REPRODUCTION APPARATUS Filed May 12, I959 12 Sheets-Sheet 2A TTORNEYS.

Aug 111, 1942. J. mL s, JR

PHOTOGRAPHIC REPRODUCTION APPARATUS Filed May 12, 1939 12- Shee'tS Sheet3 INVENTOR- James JDZULS, Jif,

1 TNESSES;

z/m'yw g 4 WWW.

A TTORN E YS Afig. 11, 1942.

J. J. DILKS, JR

.F'HOTOGRAPHIC REPRODUCTION APPARATUS Filed May 12, 1939 12 Sheets-5heet5 INVENTOR; James LIE/Hrs Jr,

A TTORN E Y5 J. J. DILKS, JR

PHOTOGRAPHIG REPRODUCTIGN APPARATUS Filed May 12, 1939 12 Sheets-Sheet eINVENTOR- Jhmzs JDZLZrs,J2

A TTORN E Y5 Aug M, 1942.. J. J. DILKS, JR

PHOTOGRAPHIC REPRODUCTION APPARATUS Filed May 12, 1939 12 Sheets-Sheet 7ANN NN mwm 55mph 5 i E a 1 o J kw @MKN @ww I INVENTOR James J DATTORNEYS.

1942- J. J. DILKS, JR 2,292,325

PHOTOGRAPH LC REPRODUCTION APPARATUS Filed May 12, 1959 12 Sheets-Sheetl0 WITNESSES: INVENTOR- Jmrws JDLLJE5,JK,

/w1ei%04 I BY ATTORNEYS.

Aug. 11, 1942- J. J.-DIL.K$, JR

PHOTOGRAPHIC REPRODUCTION APPARATUS Filed May 12, 1959 12 Sheets-Sheet11 6A MERA SHUTIER 201 LAMPS Mics J21, M M

v ATTORNEYS.

m T m WM m z wms Aug. 11, 1942.

J. J. DILKS. JR

PHOTOGRAIHIC REPRODUCTION APPARATUS Filed May 12, 1959 12 Sheets-Sheetl2 2L0 CAMERA 5 SHUT/ER ##41 LAMPS INVENTOR: James JDLLk5,JK, BY WATTORNEYS.

qZ/WI TN ES w Patented Aug. 11, 1942 PHOTOGRAPBIC REPRODUCTION APPARATUSJames J. Dilks, In, Haddon Heights, N. J.

Application May 12, 1939, Serial No. 273,204

23 Claims.

This invention relates to apparatus useful in making photographicreproductions of commercial and legal documents and other papers such asbank checks and drafts, agreements, assignments, maps, drawings, etc.More specifically, it has reference to photographic reproductionapparatus of the type in which a conveyer means advances the sheetswhich are to be photographed past the lens of a camera for reproductionin succession upon a sensitized film.

The chief aim of my invention is to render apparatus of the kindreferred to completely automatic in operation, thereby to obviate thenecessity for the exercise of special skill on the part of the attendantin charge of the same, and to insure the utmost economy in filmconsumption.

The above object I attain in practise as hereinafter more fullydisclosed. though provision of automatic control means whereby, as eachsheet is introduced into the conveying means of the apparatus, a meansfor moving the film in the camera is started, the lens shutter of thecamera is opened; and whereby, upon advance of the sheet beyond therange of the lens, the film progressing means is stopped and the lensshutter closed.

In connection with control means operative upon the above principle-itis a further aim of my invention to provide means for producing a timelag to delay opening of the camera shut ter for a sufficient interval atthe initiation of each photographing cycle to enable the filmprogressing means to attain speed. and at the end of each cycle to delayclosing of the lens shutter after stoppage of the film progressingmeans, so that the characters of a stationary indexing device which wereconcealed during passage of the sheet over them, to be photographed onthe film immediately adjacent the image of the sheet.-

Another object of my invention is to make it possible, through provisionof simple and reliable means for the purpose, to vary the speed of theconveying means relative to the means by which th film is progressed inthe camera.

Another object of my invention is to facilitate arrangement of theapparatus for the photographing of sheets of different sizes or forvarying the size of the reproductions, which object I realize as alsohereinafter more fully disclosed, through provision in connection withthe conveyer speed regulating means, lens adjusting means and a meansfor positionally adjusting the camera relative to the conveyer, ofscales having correspondlngly numbered graduations for coordinativesetting of these elements.

Another object of my invention is to enable the apparatus to be adaptedfor use of ribbon film of different nominal sizes.

Further objects and attendant advantages will appear from the followingdetailed description of the attached drawings wherein Fig. I is a viewin side elevation of a photographic recording apparatus convenientlyembodying my invention.

tion.

Fig.,III shows the top plan view of the sheet conveying unit of theapparatus.

Fig. IV shows the conveying unit in inverted plan with a portion of oneof the conveyer belts broken away to expose underlying parts which wouldotherwise be hidden.

Fig. V is a horizontal sectional view of the conveying unit taken asindicated by the angled arrows V-V in Fig. VI.

Fig. VI is a longitudinal section of veying unit.

Section VII is a detail sectional view; taken as indicated by the angledarrows VII- in Fig. III and showing the lighting means y which thesheets are illuminated for photographing.

Fig. VIII is a fragmentary detail sectional view taken as indicated byangled arrows VIII-VIII in Fig. III.

fthe con- Fig. IX is a fragmentary detail sectional view taken asindicated by the angled arrows IX--IX' in Fig. IV.

Fig. IXa is a fragmentary view of a socket plate forming a part of theconveyer unit of the apparatus. I

Fig. X is a fragmentary view in elevation looking as indicated by theangled arrows X--X in Fig. V.

Fig. XI shows the photographing unit or camera of the apparatus in sideelevation with its front side swung down to expose the parts at theinterior. I

Fig. XII shows the camera in rear elevation.

Fig. XIII is a cross-sectional view of the cam era taken as indicated bythe angled arrows XIII-XIII in Figs. XI and XII.

Fig. XIV is a staggered cross-sectional view taken as indicated by theangled arrows XIV- XIV in Fig. XL

Fig. XV is a detail section taken as indicated by the angled arrowsXV-XV in Fig. XI.

Fig. XVI is a fragmentary detail view taken as indicated by the angledarrows XVI--XVI in Fig. XIII and showing the lens shutter of the camerain open position.

Fig. XVII is a view corresponding to Fig. XVI showing the shutter inclosed position.

Fig. XVIII is a detail sectional view taken as indicated by the angledarrows XVIIIXVIII in Fig. XII.

Fig. XIX is a wiring diagram of the electrical appurtenances of theapparatus.

" Figs. XX, XXI, XIHI and XXIII are views Fig. II shows the apparatus infront eleva- As he ein illustratedfmy improved photographicreproductionapparatus includes conveyer unit I through which a sheet Swhich is to be photographed is progressed and a camera 2 which issupported centrally over the unit- I' by a carriage 3 having guidancefor vertical adjustment on a column structure 4.

Referring now more particularly to Figs. I-X, it will be observed thatthe conveyor unit I has a pair of laterally spaced side frames 5, 5awith apertured feet 8 that take screw bolts I by which the unit issecured to a suitable supporting surface 9. Journalled inlparallelrelation in the side frames 5, 5a. are -transverse shafts 9 and I withgrooved drums II and I2 about which a series of laterally-spaced endlesshorizontal main feed belts I3 are trained. As shown in Figs. IV and VI,the upper runs of the belts I3 overtravel a table I5 supported by theside frames 5, 5a in the interval between the drums II and I2, and aremaintained taut by flanged idler pulleys IS on an arm I! capable ofadjustment about a fixed stud I8 on one of said frames. With the beltsI3 cooperate corresponding symmetricallyarranged auxiliary upper feedbelts I9 and which are respectively trained about grooved drums andflanged spool-like pulleys 2i, 22 and 23, 24. The dlums 2| and 23 aresuperposed upon and correspond in size with the drums II and I2, and arefreely mounted on transverse shafts-25 and 28 passing through bearingblocks 21 and 28 which have guidance in vertical slots 29 and 30 in theside frames 5, 5a. Set screws 3I and 32 engaged in plates 33 and 34bridging the tops of the slots 29 and 30, serve as means for regulatingthe pressure of the drums 2| and 23 upon the drums II and I2. Thepulleys 22 and 24 are free on shafts 35 and 36 extending crosswisebetween arms 31 and 33 which are fulcrumed for free movement aboutsleeves 25a and 26a of the insulation on the shafts 25 and 26. As aconsequence of this construction, the upper feed belts I9 and 20 rest bygravity upon the upper runs of the lower feed belts I3 and thus partakeof the movement of the latter belts. The belts I9 and 20 are held tautby rollers 39 free on shafts 40 carried by arms 4| which are adjustableabout rods 42 extending. between the arms 31, 38 respectively. Securedto the pulleys 22 and 24 are metallic rollers 43 and 44 which bear uponopposing rollers 45 and 46 within the intervals between the belts I3 andI9, 20, the latter rollers being free on fixed transverse shafts 41 and48. As shown, the shafts 41 and 48 are mounted in bearing blocks 49 ofinsulation aflixed to the side frames 5, 5a. The rollers 43, 45 and 44,46 operate as electric circuit control contacts in a manner laterexplained.

Disposed crosswise in the space between the rollers 22 and 24 for theupper belts I9 and 20 is a concaved plate 50 with central longitudinalexposure slit 5| of fixed width, and with upstanding arms 52 at itsopposite ends aiilxed to a transverse rock shaft 53. Also secured to therock shaft 53 is a horizontal rocking beam 55 of a double pole relay 54with contact studs 56 and 51 in its ends adapted to over-ride contacts58 and 59 set respectively into sectors 60 and SI of insulation whichare shiftable for adjustment about clamp screws 02 and 63 engaged in theside frame 5:1. From Figs. V and X it will be noted thatthe shaft 53extends through the side frame I, and that to the protruding end thereofis secured a finger 65 which lies between the poles of a pair of spacedopposing electromagnets 88, 81 affixed to said frame..

Supported crosswise of the side frames 5, 5a above the beltsv I9 and 20is a housing 10 which is centralized with respect to the apertureinterval between the pulleys 22, 24 and within which are disposed ateach side of the center, a plurality of lighting devices in the form of'electric incandescent lamps 12. As shown in Figs. 1, III and VIII, thehousing 10 has a slit 13 in its top whereof the width is regulatable bymeans of a pair of laterally amustable cover plates 14, said slit beingguarded by downwardly-convergent shields 15 within the housing alongsidethe bulbs 12, see Fig. VII. As shown in Fig. VI, the housing 10 has endwings 18 which extend over the tops and downwardly of the sides of thedrums 2I and 23 toenclose the latter as well as the other parts abovethe main feed belts I3. The sheets which are to be photographed areintroduced into the apparatus over a table 11 supported by horizontalbracket extensions 19 of the side frames 5, Ed at the feed in end (righthand end in Figs. I and III) of the unit I at the level of the main feedbelts I3. In order that sheets of different widths may be properlycentralized relative to the feed belts I3, I have provided gauge meansincluding a vertical guide plate capable of selective registry withspaced longitudinal slots 8I in the top of the table 11 inward of oneside edge thereof. As shown in Figs. HI and VIII, the gauge plate 80 issecured to the inner end of a graduated shank bar 82 which passesthrough a fixed apertured bracket 83, and which is adjustably fixable insaid bracket by a set screw 84.

Beneath the belts I3 is horizontal belt 05 (Figs. I and IV) which istrained about end drums and 81 on shafts 88 and 39 journalled inextended bearing arms 90 and III at opposite ends of the side frames 5and 5a. After passing through the unit I on the belts I3 in thedirection indicated by the arrow in Fig. I, the sheets are diverteddownwardly around the. drum I2 by an arcuate deflector 92 onto the upperrun of the belt 85 and by the latter returned inverted to the feed inend of the apparatus in the same order in which they were originallyintroduced. As shown, the deflector, 92 is supported by a rod 93 whichis adjustable in horizontal slots 94 in the side frames 5, 5a.

The drive mechanism for the conveying unit I includes an electric motor95 which is adjustably mounted on stud pins 95 projecting laterally fromthe side frame 5a, see Figs. I, II, IV, V and IX. A worm 91 on the shaftof the motor 95 meshes with a worm wheel 98 on a shaft 99 Journalled atits opposite ends in parallel bars I00 which extend crosswise betweenthe frames 5, 5a. Splined on the shaft 99 is a spur gear IOI which isconfined between the arms of a shiftable yoke I02, said yoke alsocarrying a freely rotatable idler pinion I03 in mesh with said spurgear. The yoke I02 is swingable about the shaft 99, and at its free endsupports a spring-pressed pin I05 adapted for selective registry withdifferently positioned socketed lugs I 06 in a plate I01 on the frame Soso that the idler I03 may be selectively meshed with a correspondingnumber of spur gears I08, I09, IIO, III and H2 on a counter shaft II3which also has bearing support in the cross bars I00. As shown in Fig.Die, the socket lugs I05 of the plate I01 are consecutively numberedfrom one to 5. By means of miter gear couples H and I I6, the belt drumsII and I2 are synchronously rotated in opposite directions as indicatedby the arrows in Fig. VI, from the counter shaft H3. The return belt 05is operated through a train of spur gears II1 (Fig. IV) from the shaft 8of the drum I2.

Disposed in a crosswise slot in the table I5 medially between thecontact rollers 45, 46, is an indexing device 8' with openings H9 in thetop of its casing throughwhich are exposed in line with the slit H ofthe aperture member 50, date, hour and index characters, and a pair ofarrow heads, see Fig. V. The indexing device II8 may be of any approvedconstruction with manipulating knobs shown at I20.and I2I for settingit.

The camera 2. see Figs. XI-XVII has a horizontally elongated casing Iwith rounded ends and with a downward ofiset I26 centrally of itsbottom. The side wall or door I21 01 the camera is connected to thecasing I25 at the bottom by a hinge I28 so that it may be swung downwardfor convenience of access to the interior for the purpose of filmloading and removal. A pair of gravity latches I29 at the top of thecasing I25 cooperate with depressable spring hooks I30 on the door I21to normally hold the latter closed. Light tightness is insured by a feltlining I3I on the door I21. Affixed by screws to the bottom of thependent ofiset I26 of the camera casing I25 is an internally threadedboss I32 into which ,a lens barrel I33 screws for the purposes ofadjustment, the optical equipment consisting in this instance of threelenses I34; and incorporated with said lens barrel I33 is an adjustableiris diaphragm I35 which may be of any well known construction. Focusingis effected through coordination of a pointer I36 on the lens barrel I33with graduations clrcumferentially of the base flange of the boss I32,see Figs. XI and XII, said graduations being consecutively numbered fromone to five in correspondence with the numbering of the socket bossesI06 for adiustment of the change spaced gearing of the conveyer unit I.Within the camera casing I25 at opposite ends are supply and receivingreels I31 and I36 for the film F on which the pictures of the sheetspassed the unit I are taken; and between the reels at the center in atransverse plane through the lens axis is a toothed feed drum I39 forsaid film. As shown, the drum I39 has two sets of teeth I40, I4I, oneadjacent each end thereof, and is mounted, with capacity for beingaxially shifted, on a shaft I42 which passes rearwardly through abearing I43 in the back wall I45 of the camera casing and which hasadditional support in a fixed bearing plate I46 spaced from said wall.The inner end I42a of the shaft I42 is square and by cooperation withscrew studs I41 in the hub of the drum I39 with opposite faces of saidend, said drum is held from independent rotation on said shaft. Securedaxially of the rear of the drum I39 by screws I48 is a circumferentiallygrooved collar I49 which is engaged by shifting arms I50 pendant from arock shaft I5I. The rock shaft I5I is supported in bearing lugs I52 onthe back wall I45 of the camera and extends through one end of thecasing I25 to the exterior where it is provided with a manipulatinghandle I53. Slidably guided in the handle I53 is a pin I55 which isspring pressed and retractable by pull upon the knob at its upper end sothat it may be selectively registered with spaced notches I56, I56a in asector I51 aifixed to the camera casing, The film F illustratedrepresents one of 35 mm. width for which the teeth I40 of th drum areused to engage the edge perforations at one side thereof with the filmcentered relative to the focal axis of the lens. When it is desired touse 16 mm. film, toothed drum I39 is shifted rightward in Fig. XIII bymeans of the handle I53 to a position predetermined by the notch I56a inthe sector I51 whereby the teeth I4I are made available for theperforations along one edge of such film with the latter centeredrelative to the lens axis. The filmreels I31, I38 are free to rotate onstuds I56, I59 projecting forwardly from the back wall I45 of the cameracasing and in order to be endwise shiftable compensatively with axialshifting of the drum I39 as above are, like the latter, provided at therear with circumferentially grooved collars I60, I6I which arrespectively engaged by additional shifting arms I62, I63 on the rockshaft I5I. Positioned in the intervals between the reels I31, I38 andthe toothed drum I39 are flanged idler rolls I64, I65 of a widthsuitable for the 35 mm. film. A similar but narrower pair of idler rollsI64a, I65a is provided for the smaller or 16 mm. film. The rolls I64,I64a, I65 and I-65a revolve freely on fixed studs I66 projectingforwardly from the back wall I45 of the camera casing and-functionrespectively to'hold the films in engagement with the lower portion ofthe drum I39. The drive means for the camera (Figs. XII, XIII and XVIII)include an electric motor I61 which is attached to the back I45 of thecamera casing I25 and has associated with it a brake I68 sub- .Iect toan electro-rnagnet I69. A wonn I10 on the shaft of the motor I61 'mesheswith a worm wheel I1I on a shaft I12 with Journal support at oppositeends in the wall I45 and the bearing plate I46. Afilxed to the shaft I12is a spur pinion I13, which, through a spur gear I14 communicates motionat reduced speed to th shaft I42 whereon the toothed drum I39 ismounted. By means of an auxiliary train of spur gears I15,

deriving motion from the spur gear I14, rotation is imparted at theproper speed to a shaft I16 which extends through the rear wall I45 ofthe camera casing and carries a grooved pulley I11 having a slip beltconnection I18 with a pulley I19 attached to the film take-up reel I38.The film F is restrained from ballooning on the reel I31 by a gravityroller I (Fig. XI) which rests thereon and which is carried at the lowerend of a rod I8I extending up through a guide boss I82 at the top of thecamera casing I25. As shown, "the rod I6I is graduated to function as agauge visible at the exterior of the camera to indicate the amount offilm supply on the reel I31. The toothed drum I39 is kept fre of dust bymeans of a wiper shoe I63 (Figs. XI and XIII) with felt padding I 84having an upward shank I65 which is slidably engaged on the end of asupporting arm I86 secured to a fixed stud I61 on the rear wall 145 ofthe camera casing. A spring I86 whereof the pressure is regulatable by athumb nut I69 on the shank I 65, operates to keep the shoe I63 in lightbut firm contact with th surface of the drum I39. Rotation of the shoeI83 about the axis of the shank I is prevented by a guide rod shown atI90, Within the camera casing I25 below the reel I31 is a gravity armI9I with a roller I92 engaged in a diverted loop L of the film F.Normally the arm I9I is held in raised position with a contact I93thereon out of engagement with a corresponding contact I94 at the bottomof the camera casing. The purpose of this feature will also be explainedlater on.

The lens shutter of the camera consists of two horizontally-arrangedvanes I95 and I96 (Figs. XI, XV, XVI and XVII) which are secured re--spectively to arbors I91 and I98 carried between the spaced side membersI99, 200 of a small cradle Ni and which normally rest with their freeends overlapping in the focal axis of the lenses I34, on a rounded camprojection 202 at the end of a lever 203. Free to rotate about pins 204extending crosswise of the cradle 20I are rollers 205 which normallybear against the film F as shown in Fig. XVI to hold it snug against thebottom of the drum I39 with its edge perforations engaging the teeth onsaid drum. The cradle 20I is pivotally connected at its center to theends of parallel arms 206 aflixed to a sleeve 201, which is rockable andshifted axially on a fixed stud 209 projecting forwardly from the rearwall I45 of the camera casing. A sector H0, independently fulcrumed onthe stud 209, is held to the casing wall I45 by a headed guide screw 2II, and carries a lateral pin 2I2 which engages through a hole in theside member I99 of the cradle 20I so that the latter is held in adefinite relation tosaid sector with capacity for sliding movementlaterally relative thereto. The cradle 20I can thus adapt itselfpositicnally to suit the two widths of film for the use of which thecamera is designed. As shown, the sector 2 I is subject to the pull of aspring 2I3 whereby the cradle 20I is normally held in elevated positionafter the manner shown in Fig. XVI with the rollers 205 holding the filmpressed against the drum I39. Preparatory to loading the camera, thecradle 20I is depressed to the position shown in Fig. XVII to facilitatethreading of the film, in which position it is yieldingly held throughengagement of a round-ended spring-pressed latch pin 2I4 set into therear casing wall I45, with a hole 2I5 in the sector 2I0. The actuatingarm 203 for the shutter vanes I95, I96 is adjustably fixed to a sleeve2I6 free on a pin 2I1 extending crosswise between rearward extensionsI99a, 260a of the side frames I99, 200 of the cradle. A rearwardlyextending arm 2I6a on the sleeve 2I6 supports an armature plate 2I8adjacent the pole end of an actuating electromagnet 2I9. The width ofthe slit between the shutter vanes I95, I96 when the latter are in openposition as in Fig. XVI is regulatable by means of taper ended setscrews 220, Hi engaged in the side members 200 of the cradle 20!. Asshown, the screws 220, Hi project over the corresponding side edges ofthe shutter vanes I95, I96 to limit upward movement of said shuttersunder the action of the magnet 2I9. It is to be noted that the camprojection 202 of the arm 203 is stepped as at 2020. to insure overlapof the shutter vanes I95, I96 as they move from closed position.

As shown in Fig. XII, the axis studs I58. I59 for the film reels I31,I38 project through the rear wall I45 of the camera casing and engageapertured bosses 224 at the tops of the inclined side bracket arms 225of the carriage 3 (Fig. II). As a consequence of this construction, thecamera 2 may be adjusted horizontally for proper centralization relativeto the feed unit I and. secured in adjusted position by set screws 226(Fig.

XII), which are threaded into the bosses 224 and adapted to engage thereel studs I56, I59. Aifixed to each of the uprights 221 of the columnstructure 4 are toothed racks 228 which are engaged by pinions 229 on across shaft 230 journalled in the side members 225 of the carriage 3 andprovided with a manipulating wheel or knob 23I. By the means justdescribed, the camera 2 may be adjusted up and down relative to the unitI to adapt the apparatus for the taking of pictures to different sizes.I have provided on the column structure 4 for coordination with apointer 232 on the carriage 3, a scale 233 of which the graduations arenumbered from one to five to correspond with the numbering of the socketbosses I6I of the conveyer unit I, and of the graduations on the lensbarrel I33.

Suspended from an intermediate tie rod 234 connecting the uprights 221of the column structure 4 is a box 235 containing the relay switches andthe transformer conventionally indicated at 236, 231, 238 and 239respectively in the wiring diagrams of Figs. XIX, XX, XXI, XXII andXXIII. As shown in these diagrams, the current supply for the apparatusis taken from a power line 240 through a snap switch 24! wherefromextend feed conductors 242, 243 across which the primary coil of thetransformer 239 is connected. The lamps I2 and the motor of the conveyerunit are connected in parallel between the conductor 243 and a branchconductor 244 which forms a continuation of the conductor 242 and inwhich the normally closed relay switch 231 is interposed. The cameramotor I69 is interposed in a branch circuit of which the conductor 245forms a continuation of the conductor 243 and 01' which the conductor246 is connected to the conductor 244 with interposition of the normallyopen relay switch 238. Leading from the low voltage or secondary coil ofthe transformer 239 and extending to the two lower contact rollers 45and 46 of the conveyer unit are conductors 241 and 218 of a secondarypower circuit. The switch coil 66 of the double pole relay switch 54 andthe coil of the relay switch 236 are interposed in an auxiliary circuitwhereof the conupper contact coils 43, 44. Thus normally with therollers 43, 45 and 44, 46 contacting, low voltage current flows throughthe cond 24s, 250, 25: so that the bar 55 of tli e goiil l e pole relayis held by the coil 66 in the position shown in Fig. XIX with itscontact 56 engaging the contact 58 to maintain the coil I69 of thecamera motor brake and the coil of the relay 238 energized by flow ofcurrent from transformer 239 through another auxiliary circuit includinga conductor 252 which extends to the pivot 53 of the double pole relayswitch arm 55 and conductors 253, 254, 255 and 256. The actuating coil2I9 of camera shutter is connected .in another auxiliary circuitincluding a conductor 251 extending from the contact 59 of thedoublepole relay switch 54, a conductor 258 which connects with the conductor248. The coil 61 of the double pole relay switch 55 is connected to theleads 241, 248 from the transformer through another auxilialy circuitincluding conductors 259 260 with interposition of the relay switch 236.I The camera cut out switch I93, I94, it will be observed, is connectedwith the coil of the relay switch 231 in still another auxiliary circuitincluding conductors EM and 262 whereof the former joins the conductor256 and the latter the conductor 250. The last mentioned circuit alsoincludes a conductor 263 which extends from th contact roller 43 whichjoins with the con ductor 252. In the diagrams, which show thconditionsobtaining incident to successive step:

in a single photographic cycle of the apparatus, the high voltagecircuits are shown in heavy. lines, the low voltage circuits in thinlines, the "live circuits in full lines and the dead circuits in dottedlines.

The operation of the apparatus is as follows: Let it be assumed forexample that a sheet measuring eight by ten-inches is to be reproducedto a reduction of twenty diameters on 16 mm. film. Such reduction ispredetermined by'setting the camera at the position 2" on the scale 233on the column 221 by adjusting the lens barrel I33 at the position 2,and by setting the speed for the conveyor unit at 2. With thesepreparations completed and the gauge 86 of'the conveyer unit I properlyadjusted, the switch 24I (Fig. XIX) is turned. As a result, current athigh voltage will be supplied to the lights 12 and the motor 95 of theconveyer unit, by way of the conductor 242, the normally closed switch231, the conductor 244 and the conductor 243. The sheet represented at Sin the diagrams is placed on the feed in table 11 of the conveyer unitwith one of its side edges abutting the gauge 80, and then pushedforward for engagement by the conveyer belts I3 and I9. As the sheet Sadvances and its leading edge enters between the contact rollers 43, 45as shown in Fig. XX, the

XX. However, when the trailing end of the sheet S finally passes frombetween the rollers 44, 46,

circuit 258, 25I is interrupted with attendant deenergization of thecoil 55 of the double pole relay switch 54 and the coil of the relayswitch 236. The latter switch 236 is thus permitted to close the circuit258, 250 whereby the coil 61 energized to draw the arm 55 of the doublepole relay 54 to the position shown in Fig. 1D! with incidentalretraction of the contact 56 from the contact 58 and engagement of thecontact 51 with the contact 59. Due ,to this change, it will be seenthat the circuit 252, 253, 254, 255, 256 is interrupted so that thecoils of the motor brake I61 and the switch 238 are de-energized torelease the brake and the switch 238, which latter in closing permitscurrent to how to the camera motor I61 through the circuit 245, 246. Itwill be further seen that upon engagement of the contact 51 on switcharm 55 with the contact 59, current is permitted to flow to the coil Usto open the camera shutter, the flow being by way of the conductors 252,251 and 258. By adjusting the insulation sectors 60 and 6| (Figs. V andVI) which carry the contacts 58 and 58 of the double pole relay 54, itis possible to predetermine lapse of a short time interval between theseparation of the contacts 56, 58 and the closing of the contacts 51, 58so that the camera motor I61 may attain speed before the camera shutteris opened, the interval being such that the opening of the shutteroccurs just as the leading edge of the sheet S reaches the slit 5I inthe aperture plate 50. In its further travel through the apparatus thesheet S passes beneath the plate 58, Fig. V (which has been depressed bythe clockwise turning of the switch arm 55 under the influence of themagnet 51), for exposure of its moving surface through the slit 5i tothe camera lens and recording thereof upon the film F as the lattertravels in the opposite direction as indicated by the arrows in Fig. XI.Entry of the leading edge of the sheet from Figs. XXI and XXIIrespectively, so that the condition of said circuits remains as in Fig.

contacting of said rollers results in closing of the circuit 241, 256,25I, 248 whereby relay switch coils 236 and 66 are energized, causingopening of i the relay switch 236 and swinging of the arm 55 of thedouble pole relay switch 54 back to the position shown in Fig. XIX. As aconsequence the last described change, all the other circuits arerestored to normal condition with the camera motor I61 stopped, itsbrakeI69 applied, and camera shutter closed. Due to theadjustment of .thecontacts 56 and 58 as hereinbefore explained a time lag also occursimmediately before the termination of the photographic cycle. In otherwords, as the arm 55 of the double pole relay moves through itscounter-clockwise or return swing, contact 51 leaves contact 58 beforecontact 56 reaches contact 58. Accordinglygthe camera motor I 61. isstopped a moment before closing of the camera shutter. During thisinterval, the characters of the index device II8 which were concealedfrom the camera lens during passage of the sheet beneath the slit H ofthe plate 50 exposed in the intervals between the belts I3 arephotographed in the now stilled film F immediately to the rear of theimpression oi the sheet S. As the sheet passes from between the belts I3and 20 at the drums I2 and 23, it is diverted downwardly by the curveddeflector 82 and falls inverted upon the belt 85 whereby it is returnedto the feeding end of the apparatus below the table 11. The foregoingoperative cycle of the apparatus is repeated for each sheet introducedthereinto. The apparatus is thus entirely automatic in its operation andindependent of the control of the attendant-in charge thereof, theautomatic stopping of the film and closure of the shutter immediatelyafter advance of each sheet beyond the slit in the aperture plateinsuring the utmost economy in film consumption.

In the event that the film F is ruptured or becomes exhausted, theroller arm I8I of the cut out in the camera will drop and thereby closethe auxiliary circuit containing the coil of the normally closed switch231, with resultant interruption of the current flow to the lamps 12,the conof the camera lens; and an electric circuit with switch meansautomatically operative upon entry. of the subject into the field of thecamera to first efiect release of the motor brake and the initiation ofcurrent how to the motor, then after the subject has advanced into therange of the lens to effect opening of the lens shutter; and finallyafter the subject has passed beyond the range of the lens to causestoppage of current flow to the motor with brake application and closureof the lens shutter.

2. Photographic reproduction apparatus according to claim 1 furtherincluding an electric motor for driving the conveyer; electric lightingmeans for illuminating the subject; and an auxiliary circuit withincorporated switch means instrumental in the event of film rupture orexhaustion in the camera while a reproduction is being made, to causeinterruption of current flow to the conveyer motor and theelectric'lighting means, as well as interruption of current flow to thecamera motor, and closing of the lens shutter.

3. Photographic reproduction apparatus comprising a conveyer unit with ahousing having a transverse slit aperture in one of its walls, and aplurality of laterally spaced conveyer belts to carry the subject whichis to be photographed longitudinally through the housing past the slit;an indexing device with characters positioned in the intervals betweenthe conveyer belts in line with the slit of the conveyer unit housing; acamera having a lens in line with the slit, normally quiescent means iorprogressingsensitized film crosswise oi the lens, and a lens shutter;and control means automatically operative upon entry of the subject intothe housing to first start the film progressing means, then upon advanceof the subject into the range of the slit, to open the lens shutter,then after the subject has passed beyond the range of the slit, to stopthe film progressing means, and finally after the lapse of a short timeinterval suificient for photographing the then exposed characters of theindexing device to close the lens shutter.

4. Photographic reproduction apparatus comprising a conveyer unit with ahousing having apertures in one of its walls, and, means for conveyingthe subject which is to be photographed through the housing past theaperture; a camera having a lens in line with the aperture and theconveyer unit housing, normally quiescent means for progressingsensitized film crosswise of the lens, and a lens shutter; control meansautomatically operative incident to passage of the subject through thehousing to start and stop the film progressing means, and to open andclose the lens shutter; and means controlled by the film in the cameraand operative in the event of film rupture or exhaustion to eifectstoppage of the conveying means and the film progressing means, andclosure of the lens shutter.

5. Photographic reproduction apparatus comprising a conveyer unit with ahousing having a slit transversely of its top, a main conveying elementfor conveying a sheet which is to be pho tographed longitudinally of thehousing beneath the slit, superposed elements respectively at oppositesides of the vertical plane through the slit cooperating with the mainconveying element in advancing the sheet, a plate overlying the mainconveying element in the interval between the auxiliary conveyingelements and having a slit in line with the slit of the housing throughwhich the face of the sheet is exposed as it passes through the housing,devices within the housing to opposite sides of the plate forilluminating the portion of the sheet exposed through the slit in saidplate, and light shields extending downward of the illuminating devicesfrom opposite sides of the slit aperture in the top of the housing; anda camera above the conveyer unit having a lens in line with the slit inthe housing, means for progressing sensitized film crosswise of thelens, and a lens shutter; and control means for starting and stoppingthe film progressing means and opening and closing lens shutter of thecamera incident topassage of the sheet through the apparatus.

6. Photographic reproduction apparatus according to claim 5, in whichthe width of the exposure slit in the plate is fixed; and includingadjustable means whereby the width of the slit aperture in the housingmay be regulated.

'7. Photographic reproduction apparatus acplate is normally supportedclear of the main conveying element; and means automatically operated asthe sheet enters the apparatus to depress the plate for the purpose ofholding down the sheet on the main conveying element in the intervalbetween the two auxiliary conveying elements.

8. Photographic reproduction apparatus comprising a conveying unit witha housing having a transverse slit in its top; a conveying element forhorizontally advancing sheets to be photographed longitudinally of thehousing beneath the slit; 9. table adjacent an opening in one end of thehousing through which the sheets are introduced in succession, and gaugemeans adjustable transversely of the table for centering. sheets ofdifierent widths relative to the conveying means; a camera above thehousing having a lens in line with the slit in said housing, normallyquiescent means for progressing sensitized film crosswise of the lens,and a lens shutter; and control means operative incident to passage ofeach sheet through the housing to start and stop the film progressingmeans, and to open and close the lens shutter.

9. Photographic reproduction apparatus comprising a conveyer unit with ahousing having a transverse slit in its top, a horizontal conveyer foradvancing sheets which are to be photo graphed longitudinally of thehousing beneath the slit, an opening in one end of the housing throughwhich the sheets are introduced, a return conveyer horizontally disposedbeneath the first mentioned conveyer, a deflector for directing thesheets downwardly onto the return conveyer after they have traversed thehousing in one direction, and an opening in the housing wall aforesaidthrough which the sheets are successively discharged by the returnconveyer; a

camera above the conveyer unit having a lens in line with the exposureslit in the conveyer unit housing, normally quiescent means forprogressing sensitized film crosswise of the lens, and a lens shutter;and control means automatically operative incident to passage of eachsheet through the housing to start and stop the film progressing means,and to open and close the lens shutter.

10. Photographic reproduction apparatus according to claim 9, includingmeans whereby the speed of the conveying means of the conveyer unit maybe varied relative to that of the film progressing means of the camera.7

11. Photographic reproduction apparatus according to claim 17, furthercomprising-means for supporting the camera unit with capacity for up anddown adjustment in relation to the conveyor unit.

12. Photographic reproduction apparatus according to claim 17, whereinthe camera is provided with means whereby the lens may be focallyadjusted to correspond with positional changes of the camera relative tothe conveyer unit;

and wherein the conveyer unit includes a drive which is regulatable forspeed to give the proper of the camera.

13. Photographic reproduction apparatus according to claim 17, whereinthe camera has lens adjusting means with numbered scale graduations; andwherein there is a scale with correspondingly numbered graduations forpredetermining positions of the camera on the support,

accord with the difierent focal adjustments of the lens; and wherein theconveyer unit includes regulatable drive means with a control memberwhich is shiitable to different positions numbered to correspond withthe numbers of the lens and camera adjusting scales to properly regulatethe speed of the conveyer with that of the film to give the proper timeexposure for the focal setting of the lens.

15. Photographic reproduction apparatus according to claim 17, whereinthe camera is provided with supply and take up reels for ribbon filmwhich are adjustable as to width to enable use of ribbon films ofdifierent sizes.

16. Photographic reproduction apparatus according to claim 1'7, whereinthe camera is provided with supply and take up reels for ribbon filmwhich are adjustable as to width to enable use of ribbon films ofdiflerent sizes, and with means enabling focal adjusting of the lens tothe first pair of contacts in the direction of conveyance, and stoppingof the camera motor and closing of the shutter when the sheet passesbeyond the second pair of the contacts.

19. Photographic reproduction apparatus according to claim- 18, in whichthe contact elements are in'the form of opposing rollers.

20. Photographic reproduction apparatus comprising a conveyer unit-witha housing having an exposure aperture in its top, and means forcarcorrespond with changed positions of the camera 1 relative to theconveyer unit; and wherein the conveyer unit includes a drive which isregulatable for speed to give the proper time exposure for difierentfocal and positional adjustments of the camera.

17. Photographic reproduction apparatus comprising a conveyer unit witha housing having an aperture in its top, a horizontally arranged endlessmain conveyer belt for carrying a sheet which is to be photographedthrough the housing, and a pair of horizontally arranged endlessconveyer belts contacting with the main belt from above to assist inconveying said sheet, said auxiliary belts being arranged in spacedrelation, one in advance of and the other rearward oi the aperture withrespect to the direction of sheet travel; a camera above the conveyerunit having a lens in line with the aperture of the conveyer unithousing, means for progressing sensitized film crosswise of the lens,and a lens shutter; and control means automatically operative incidentto passage of the sheet through the conveyer housing to start and stopthe film progressing means of the camera, and to open and close theshutter.

18. Photographic reproduction apparatus comprising a conveyer unit witha housing having an aperture in one of its walls, and enclosing meansfor carrying a sheet which is to be photographed through the housingtogether with means for illuminating the sheet; a camera having a lensin line with the aperture in the conveyer unit housing, means forprogressing sensi tized film crosswise oi. the lens, a normallyquiescent motor for driving the film progressing means, and a normallyclosed lens shutter with electromagnetic actuating means, circuitsincluding said motor and shutter; and control means for said circuitsincluding pairs of metallic contact elements between which the sheetpasses, said'elements being arranged within the housing of theconveyerunit at opposite sides of the vertical plane or the aperture forautomatically governing the circuits to afiect starting of the cameramotor and opening and closing oi the lens shutter as the sheet entersbetween rying a sheet which is to be photographed horizontally throughthe housing; a camera above the conveying unit having a lens in linewith the exposure aperture in the conveyer unit housing, means forprogressing sensitized film cross wise of the lens, a normally quiescentelectric motor for driving the film progressing means, and a normalLvclosed lens shutter with associated electro-magnet actuating means; apower circuit containing the camera motor and a normally open relayswitch, and automatic control means including a double pole relay withtwo sets of switch contacts, one pair normally open and the othernormally closed, an auxiliary circuit connected across the secondarycircuit controlled by the normally closed contacts of the double polerelay and containing the coil of the motor switch, a normally openauxiliary circuit connected across the secondary power circuit andcontaining one of the coils of the double pole relay, pairs of contactdisks within the housing of the conveyer unit respectively in advanceand in the rear of the aperture with respect to the direction ofconveyer travel between which the sheet is adapted to pass, said diskpairs being respectively interposed in the flow and return conductors ofthe secondary power circuit beyond the two auxiliary circuits aforesaid,another auxiliary circuit connected to the secondary power circuit andcontaining the other coil of the double pole relay switch and the coilof a magnetic switch for the normally open auxiliary circuit aforesaid,whereby, as the sheet enters between the first pair of contact disks,the camera motor is started and the shutter opened automatically, andwhen the sheet passes beyond the second pair of contact disks, thecamera motor is stopped and the shutter closed automatically.

21. Photographic reproduction apparatus according to claim 20, in whichthe contacts of the double pole switch are adjustable to produce ,a timelag whereby the opening of the shutter is slightly delayed to permit themotor to come up to speed before the leading edge of the sheet entersthe range of the exposure aperture.

22. Photographic reproduction apparatus according to claim 20, in whichthe conveyer means of the conveyer unit is driven by'an electric motor;wherein the conveyer motor isv connected .and wherein the coil of thebrake is connected in the same auxiliary circuit as the coil of thenormally open relay switch for the camera motor.

JAMES J. DILKS, JR.

